BREAKING: New reports confirm that Metallica has solidified its position as one of the most successful concert acts of the millennium, ranking eighth in the latest Pollstar list. The legendary metal band, featuring James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Robert Trujillo, and Kirk Hammett, has sold an astonishing 15.5 million tickets across 562 concerts, generating nearly $1.5 billion in revenue.
This groundbreaking achievement highlights the enduring power of metal music in a predominantly pop-driven industry. Following closely behind Metallica is Bon Jovi, who sold 13.9 million tickets and earned approximately $1.3 billion.
Meanwhile, Guns N’ Roses occupies the sixteenth spot with 10.7 million tickets sold and around $1.1 billion in revenue. Iron Maiden is at nineteenth place, having sold 10.1 million tickets over a remarkable 620 performances, raking in around $717 million.
The top three spots, however, are still dominated by pop acts. Coldplay leads the pack with a staggering 24.8 million tickets sold and nearly $2.5 billion in revenue from 731 concerts. Following Coldplay, U2 ranks second with 20.2 million tickets sold, and Ed Sheeran is third, having sold 19.6 million tickets across 641 performances for a revenue of $1.7 billion.
Pollstar editor Andy Gensler stated that the past 25 years have seen an “exponential growth” in the live music industry, with more superstar performers reaching a wider range of markets. He also announced that the final report for 2025 will reveal a “new level of creative and commercial reach” in the concert industry.
As Metallica continues to inspire millions of fans worldwide, the band’s significant achievements remind us of the lasting impact of metal music. Stay tuned for more updates as the concert landscape evolves and new records are set.
